SpaceX’s highly anticipated Ax-3 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) has faced a minor setback, with the launch being delayed by a day. Originally scheduled for January 17th, the launch will now take place on January 18th at 4:49 p.m. EST (2149 GMT). The mission, conducted in collaboration with Axiom Space, will see four astronauts embark on a two-week journey to the ISS aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft Freedom.
The Ax-3 mission is led by former NASA astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria of Axiom Space, with Walter Villadei of the Italian Air Force serving as the pilot. Additionally, Turkey’s first astronaut, Alper Gezeravc, and European Space Agency reserve astronaut Marcus Wandt will join the crew as mission specialists. Together, these four individuals will contribute to scientific research and exploration during their time aboard the ISS.
SpaceX’s launch window is described as “instantaneous,” meaning that if the launch cannot occur at the designated time, it will have to be rescheduled for the next available opportunity. Weather conditions play a crucial role in determining whether the launch can proceed as planned. Fortunately, current forecasts indicate an 80% chance of favorable conditions for the rescheduled launch on January 18th.
For space enthusiasts eager to witness this historic event, there are several options to watch the Ax-3 launch online. Space.com will provide a live simulcast of the livestream, beginning at 2:30 p.m. EST (1830 GMT) on January 18th. SpaceX and Axiom Space will also host their own joint webcast, which can be followed on the Axiom Space YouTube channel and SpaceX X account. Additionally, NASA will broadcast the launch on NASA TV and NASA+, starting at 3:45 p.m. EST (2045 GMT).
The excitement doesn’t end with the launch. SpaceX, Axiom Space, and NASA will also offer live views of the Ax-3 Dragon spacecraft’s docking at the ISS, scheduled for January 20th at 5:15 a.m. EST (1015 GMT). NASA’s livestream coverage will begin at 3:30 a.m. EST (0830 GMT), leading up to the docking itself. Following the successful docking, a hatch opening ceremony will take place, allowing the four Ax-3 astronauts to join the seven astronauts already aboard the ISS. This will be followed by welcome remarks from the joint crew.
While the launch itself will last just over 12 minutes, the entire Ax-3 mission is expected to span at least two weeks. After liftoff, the Falcon 9 rocket will separate into stages, with the first stage returning to Earth and landing at SpaceX’s Landing Zone 1 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The Dragon capsule will continue its journey, eventually separating from the Falcon 9 upper stage and deploying its nose cone to expose its docking port.
In the event that the Ax-3 mission cannot proceed on January 18th, SpaceX has a backup plan in place. The company may attempt a launch on January 19th, depending on the nature of any delay. Weather conditions for both days are expected to be favorable, with a 80% chance of good weather on January 18th and a 95% chance on January 20th.
As we eagerly await the launch of SpaceX’s Ax-3 mission, it’s clear that this collaboration between SpaceX and Axiom Space represents another significant milestone in human space exploration. With a diverse crew of astronauts and a mission duration of two weeks, this mission promises to contribute valuable scientific research and further our understanding of space. So mark your calendars and get ready to witness history in the making as SpaceX propels us further into the cosmos.
